Podiatrists are known to treat the foot and ankle and leg. To the average person, it seems like the typical problems a podiatrist is limited to are bunions and warts. The common conception is that their expertise is confined to the foot in the areas of the muscle, bone and skin.
However, podiatrists are well-versed in many aspects of the foot, ankle and leg – nervous system disorders, musculoskeletal pathologies, dermatopathologies and vascular anomalies! Varicose veins are one such anomaly that is quite common in the population.
What are veins? Veins are a type of blood vessels that take the blood from different parts of the body TO the heart. They only function in ONE direction. The one-way direction is due to the one-way valves that are within the vessels. Varicose veins arise when the valves are malfunctioning. When a valve stops working properly, blood which was destined to the heart starts to flow back towards the legs (or other extremities). The blood is now going in the opposite direction it was supposed to be going! As a result of this backward blood flow, pressure in the veins starts to rise and causes varicose veins! Varicose veins are essentially veins that are receiving so much pressure that the start to expand and engorge. The elastic properties of the vein allow for it to expand due to pressure and it thus it protrudes out of the skin.
There are a variety of risk factors which can cause the veins to start swelling due to the pooling of blood.
A. Family history is one factor – you may genetically have valves that are incompetent;
B. Occupation – standing on your feet for greater periods of times increases venous pressure
C. Obesity
D. Pregnancy
E. Age – with increased age, vessel function starts to deteriorate
Varicose veins are not usually painful but you may feel a deep ache in the area. Swelling and discoloration may also be noted in the area of the engorged veins. The color starts out reddish and may turn to brown with time. The most common complaint is the fact that these veins just look ugly! If untreated, skin erosions can occur; this may progress to venous stasis ulcers which have a poor ability to heal! If you find that you do have varicosities, don’t hesitate to see your podiatrist! They have the knowledge and expertise to guide you to a solution and prevent this medical condition from becoming worse!
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com
Anyway, I'm getting both kinds on my legs. I've always had pretty visible veins. Get more information on varicose veins pregnancy which is helpful to you.
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